After the framework was put in place following the organizational meeting in February 1973, it was time to fill in the structure that would become USDF. The USDF’s inaugural business meeting was held in November 1973, once again in Linclon, with more than 50 participants representing 22 organizations. Stephen Schwartz, from California Dressage Society, became the first USDF president and Lazelle Knock who represented four East Coast clubs, was elected vice president.

Since then, USDF has held a convention for its members every year. USDF will meet this year in St. Louis, MO, November 30 – December 3, 2016. We take this opportunity to take a look back through the years.

Stephen Schwartz, USDF’s first president

Captain John ‘Jack’ Fritz was asked to chair the founding meeting. Fritz handled the meeting with authority, interspersed with his trademark humor, and was instrumental in getting everyone to work together

In 1974, Horse of the Year Awards and bronze, silver and gold rider medals were introduced

1976-2001

Kay Meredith, who became president in 1977; Ivan Bezugloff Jr., USDF’s first treasurer; and outgoing president Stephen Schwartz at the 1976 convention

USDF founding member Migi Serrell atthe 1978 USDF convention. Her American Dressage Institute was the closet to a national dressage academy the US has had.

Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki (left), was the 2011 Adequan®/USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year. With her are USDF president George Williams, rider Steffen Peters, and Luitpold Animal Health (makers of Adequan®) senior manager Allyn Mann.

Trainer, author, and judge Charles de Kunffy (center) is inducted into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame by USDF Historical Recognition Committee chair Anne Moss and USDF President George Williams